CHAPTER FORTY

The old madam carefully observed her youngest granddaughter, noticing the significant changes that had taken place over the past four years. The once young girl had blossomed into a stunning young lady.

With her almond-shaped eyes, hourglass figure, and flawless beauty, she radiated elegance. Even the makeup on her face couldn't conceal her natural radiance.

"Bai Lang, your marriage is almost settled," the old madam stated.

Bai Lang respectfully bowed to her grandmother. "Your granddaughter understands."

She had no intention of complaining; she would simply follow her grandmother's wishes.

Feeling weary and desiring solitude, the old madam waved everyone away. "Go now, attend to your own affairs in your respective courtyards. This old woman needs to rest."

As they all withdrew from the main hall, leaving the room in silence, the old madam observed the empty space.

It was Mama Chi, her most trusted servant who dared to break the silence. "Old Madam, if I may be so bold..." she began.

The old madam waved her hand, signaling for Mama Chi to speak. Mama Chi had served her faithfully throughout her entire life, and her words carried weight.

Mama Chi spoke with a heavy heart, "Old Madam, it is undeniable that the third young miss is destined for a different path. No matter how much we may want to like her and see her succeed, the master already has his own plans."

The old madam listened attentively, her expression showing a mix of understanding and resignation. She knew that sometimes, despite her own desires, she had to accept the decisions made by the master of the household.

Bai Lang eagerly strolls away from the bustling main courtyard, yearning for the solace of her own cozy room. As she turns onto the path that leads to her private sanctuary, a young servant boy suddenly emerges in front of her, his head bowed respectfully.

"Third Miss, the master has requested your presence in his study," the boy informs her.

Bai Lang scrutinizes the boy for a moment, dismissing the other two maidservants by her side. With only Xin Yi by her side, she makes her way towards her grandfather's study hall.

The news of Bai Lang's impending marriage does not catch her off guard. With the subjects she has been studying, even the Bai Liu lesson as the legitimate daughter pales in comparison.

Bai Lang has had her suspicions that she may be sent to become a concubine of one of the Imperial members. No young lady learns the things she's been learning unless she is destined for a treacherous place.

As Bai Lang enters the side study, she notices Elder Weijing's presence. A desk is set aside, and before she can perform her greetings, Elder Weijing motions for her to join him. On the desk, there lies a book titled "The Imperial Family Tree."

Bai Lang offers her greetings to Elder Weijing as she walks over and takes her place in front of him.

The old man gives her a once-over, seemingly pleased with what he sees, before speaking.

"Third Young Miss," Weijing nods at her before continuing, "Do you remember the name of the royal family?"

Bai Lang is taken aback by this question. It is strange because Elder Weijing has always kept the topic of the royal family to a minimum during their lessons. She furrows her brow and tries to recall the information.

Aside from being aware of the Emperor's name and the names of his sons, she had little knowledge about them.

Zhang Wei and Second Prince Zhang Jun were the names that came to her mind when she tried to remember. Bail, thinking hard, finally spoke up. "His Majesty Emperor Zhang Liying, Empress Nara Lang, His Highnesses First Prince Zhang Wei and Second Prince Zhang Jun."

"And?" Weijing asked, eagerly waiting for more information.

"And?"

"There's also His Royal Prince Zhangshan!"

"The Emperor has another son?"

Despite her extensive reading, that name didn't ring a bell for her.

"It's not surprising that you don't know. Prince Zhangshan, also known as Duke Yu or Wangye, is the Emperor's royal brother. He holds a significant position in the Zhang Empire and governs a territory near the Ka'an border in the north."

The realization struck Bai Lang instantly. Duke Yu was an integral part of the Zhang Empire, and his role was crucial.

"Does Duke Shan Yu have the same mother as the Emperor?" she inquired.

"No. Duke Yu was born to the Empress, while the Emperor was born to the Imperial Concubine."

At the tender age of seventeen, the Emperor already held the esteemed position of crown prince, and it was during this time that Wangye came into the world. Surprisingly, the Previous Emperor decided to retain his title, allowing Emperor Liying to bestow the title of wangye upon Prince Shan Yu and grant him the vast territory of Beifang.

As Weijing delved deeper into the captivating history of the Imperial family, Bai Lang sat silently in the lecture hall, absorbing every detail. From the Emperor's rise to power to Wang Ye Shanyu's remarkable contributions to border control, Elder Weijing left no stone unturned in his comprehensive account.

"Bai Lang," called Weijing, breaking the silence. "This shall be our final lesson. I have imparted upon you all the knowledge I possess. With your impending marriage, I believe there is naught else for this old man to teach."

Rising from her seat, Bai Lang bowed deeply to Weijing, expressing her gratitude. "Thank you, wise Elder, for your invaluable teachings. They shall forever reside within me."

Weijing, filled with affection, stood and gently patted Bai Lang's hands.

This young lady has constantly amazed him with her multitude of talents and captivating charm.

Her intelligence, quick wit, and insatiable thirst for knowledge have eternally endeared her to him, even surpassing the impact of the esteemed teachings he educated the two Princes with she was no less of a student.

****

As Bai Lang and Elder Weijing bid their last goodbyes, Bai Kang was occupied with his duties in the imperial courts.

A tense confrontation unfolded between two men, one seated atop his majestic throne, gazing down upon the other.

Despite the man on the throne holding a position of power, it was the other man who commanded a greater sense of respect.

"Imperial brother," he implored, looking up at the one on the throne, "I humbly request your blessing for this marriage."